Q: Why should I Go Greek?

Q: What does it cost to Go Greek?

A: You may have heard the cliché that Greeks “buy their friends” or that fraternities and sororities are only for “rich kids.” Nothing is farther from the truth. The Greek experience should be looked at as an investment in your future. Like any national organization, there are bills to pay and costs of membership. All collected dues go toward activities, programs, insurance and services that will positively impact you. The reality is that membership in a Greek organization is quite affordable. In fact, less than 2 percent of an average college student’s expenses go toward fraternity and sorority membership. In the first year of membership, a few onetime initiation fees are assessed. After that, regular semester dues generally average about $200-$300, depending on the chapter. Most organizations offer a variety of payment plans and billing options and will supplement their income with fundraising projects. Additionally, national fraternity and sorority headquarters offer millions of dollars in scholarships and educational grants to deserving Greeks each year.

Q: What kind of time commitment should I expect if I decide to Go Greek?

A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires a time investment. The old saying “you get out of it what you’re willing to put into it” couldn’t ring more true. Most of our Greek students are successfully balancing academics, a part-time job and a social life alongside chapter membership. While there are definitely some mandatory commitments that are set well in advance (i.e. weekly meetings, community service projects, new member education, etc.), a student can be as involved as they choose to be. Time requirements vary from group to group depending upon how ambitious of a programming calendar the chapter has. In our experience, the students that are most active and involved are usually the ones most satisfied with their decision to Go Greek.

Q: How accurate is the media’s portrayal of fraternities and sororities?

A: Fraternities and sororities were founded as values-based organizations. The majority of our chapters and Greeks members across the country live these values on an everyday basis. Unfortunately, you only seem to hear about the minority of groups who continue to perpetuate the Animal House stigma or have put someone in harm’s way. There are some great chapters on every college campus that are hard at work debunking these negative stereotypes. At SU, our fraternities and sororities are held accountable for behavior that is not consistent with the University Code of Conduct or the values of the national organization.

Q: I’ve heard some fraternities and sororities described as “social” Greeks. What does that mean?

A: The term “social” should not be used synonymously to convey a “party” or “alcohol” atmosphere that some Greek organizations might try to promote. The purpose of “social” fraternities and sororities can vary greatly from the missions of “honorary,” “professional” or “culturally-based” fraternities and sororities. A “social” organization is characterized by providing opportunities for establishing personal relationships, making connections on campus, teamwork, civic engagement and career networking.

Q: Will I be hazed if I decide to Go Greek?

A: All new members participate in some form of orientation and education period. During this process, you will attend meetings to learn about chapter history and the SU Greek system, leadership workshops, community service projects, and other activities designed to build friendship and camaraderie among new and initiated members. Hazing has no place at this University or in any legitimate Greek organization. Hazing is prohibited per the University Code of Conduct, national fraternity/sorority headquarters policy and Maryland state law. Consent to hazing is not an acceptable justification or legal defense. Salisbury University seeks to promote a safe and secure environment where the rights and dignity of all community members are respected. New and initiated chapter members are provided with relevant hazing information and educational resources to eliminate its practice.

Q: Who is actually “in charge” of each organization?

A: In business terms, think about each chapter as a local franchise of a national corporation. Undergraduate members are elected to officer positions and manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni serving as advisors. The national headquarters provides each chapter with oversight, support and guidance through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional college staff are also employed to assist, educate and monitor the activities of Greek organizations at Salisbury University.

Q: When am I eligible to Go Greek and how do I join?

A: Salisbury University practices a “deferred joining” policy, which prohibits first-semester freshmen from pledging a Greek organization. To be eligible, a potential new member must:

Be a regularly enrolled, full-time student at Salisbury University

Have earned at least 12 college credits (Cannot be credits earned from high school AP courses)

Have at least a 2.5 college GPA

Commonly referred to as “rush,” fraternity and sorority recruitment activities and events occur both formally and informally throughout the year. Recruitment is an opportunity for you to learn more about each organization and get to know the members. Similar to how you researched, visited and chose to attend Salisbury University, you should also seek out an organization that best fits your values, personality and interests. This is a mutual selection process; and therefore, we encourage you to keep an open mind. Explore as many chapters as possible in order to make an educated decision. Be careful not to rely too much on word-of-mouth or the rumor mill. Evaluate each organization on merit and make up your own mind. Ask lots of questions!

Q: I want to Go Greek, but I can’t find the right chapter?

A: So you’ve done your homework and researched the existing chapters, but you haven’t been able to find “the one.” Salisbury University is committed to offering a variety of fraternal experiences to our diverse student population. We’ll help you find a national organization that is right for you and work with you through the expansion process of chartering a new chapter.

Q: My parents are reluctant to support my decision to Go Greek. How can I reassure them that I’m making a good choice?

A: Congratulations, you’re probably in the majority! At some point, most of our chapter members also had to have “the talk” with their families. We encourage you to pass along the information provided in this brochure. If your parents have specific questions or concerns, we can help you answer them. There are numerous undergraduate leaders, alumni, fraternity/sorority national headquarters staff, University administrators and even other parents who are more than willing to share their personal insights and experiences.

Q: I am interested in a fraternity/sorority not currently active at Salisbury University. How do I bring a new organization to SU?

A: Effective immediately, the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life has made the decision to place a moratorium on expansion of the fraternity and sorority community (i.e. bringing in any new organizations to the University). As our Fraternity and Sorority community continues to grow, we need ensure the program continues to fulfill its commitment to the core values of citizenship, friendship, leadership, personal growth, and scholarship. In an effort to realize this purpose, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, along with Student Activities, Student Affairs, and the councils will utilize the rest of the 2016 -2017 academic year to complete a full review of all current policies, practices and procedures specific to expansion. Final recommendations will be completed during spring semester, 2017 for implementation for the Fall, 2017. During the moratorium, no new fraternities or sororities will be considered for recognition at Salisbury University. Any currently non-recognized fraternity or sorority that chooses to recruit members, hold meetings, social events, and any other type of event, and will not be eligible for recognition at Salisbury University once the moratorium on expansion is lifted. Currently recognized fraternities and sororities may continue activities at the University under current policies.